The symbolism of feeding the hungry is also contained in stories of interactions with Thunderbird. People appeal to Thunderbird for abundance and to help fertilize the land and encourage crops to grow.

Thunderbird is considered to be the most powerful of all the creatures and is also considered a source of protection. Thunderbird came to be associated with both the destructive elements in nature but also protection and connection to the mightiest powers in nature. Thunderbird was also honored for generations through dance and art. Thunderbird granted this request and since this time, the wisest leaders have passed down tales of the Thunderbird. Thunderbird offered to help the Chief escape to safety, but being a wise leader, the Chief asked Thunderbird to survey the area around him and rescue the others who had thus far survived the flood. As a great flood was rising to engulf the coastal area, it was said that thunder crashed four times and Thunderbird then appeared to the Chief. Legend has it that a lone Chief named Namoquayalis, whose name translates as “Only One” resided in the mountains near what later became Vancouver.

Red thunder bird